New West native Tej Kainth backs Wright for mayor

Mayoral candidate Jonathan Cote may have the support of four of his council colleagues in his bid to be the city’s next mayor, but incumbent mayor Wayne Wright has the support of longtime New Westminster resident Tej Kainth.

Kainth, who is a first-time candidate for city council, will be putting her X next to Wright when she votes for mayor on Nov. 15.

“It took hard work to get New Westminster to be the city it is today – a city that’s rapidly attracting new families and new businesses, a city with a thriving downtown, and a city that is a long way from where it was 10 years ago,” she said in a press release. “Wayne Wright had the vision to do that. He has steadfastly believed in the city and led us to where we are today. He has a proven track record, and I know he’s just getting started.”

As well as his commitment to smart growth and economic development, Kainth said Wright shares her passion for empowering youth and engaging all residents, regardless of their age.

“As executive director of Tourism New Westminster, and as a community volunteer, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Wayne often over the years,” she said. “Whenever I’ve talked to him about my ideas for celebrating young professionals, such as the NEXT Up awards and NEXT New West, he’s been incredibly supportive, offering advice and encouraging others to participate. And when I introduced the Key to the City program, Wayne was the first person to get a key and support local businesses.”

Kainth often jokes that if New Westminster was a man, she’d marry him, but she believes Wright gives her a run for her money when it comes to being passionate about the city.

According to Kainth, Wright was her choice for mayor when she voted as a first-time elector and he’s still her first choice today. She said she respects all candidates in the upcoming election and would be especially honoured to serve with Wright.

“Electing Wayne is electing continued strong leadership, action and success,” Kainth said. “I want to spark excitement, engagement, and conversations – and see Wayne lead the way in doing that.”

Still deciding?

The Moody Park Residents' Association is hosting what will likely be the final all-candidates meeting of the 2014 civic election campaign.

The meeting is being held on Monday, Nov. 10 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the New Westminster Evangelical Free Church, 7895 Canada Way (just across the 10th Avenue border in Burnaby).
For those unable to attend in person, the Moody Park Residents’ Association is partnering with NewWest.tv, which will provide a live video stream of the all-candidates meeting on the web.
“Viewers will also be able to follow the event live on Twitter through @newwestdottv,” said residents’ association president Christopher Bell in an email candidates.